The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Build Back Better bill, is an infrastructure package focused on creating American jobs, rebuilding our nation’s roads and bridges, and combatting the climate crisis. President Biden signed the $1 trillion infrastructure deal into law back in mid-November. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, says this …
Dicamba Resistant Waterhemp Found in Illinois
University of Illinois weed scientists have confirmed resistance to the herbicide dicamba in a Champaign County waterhemp population. In the study, dicamba controlled 65 percent of the waterhemp in the field when applied at the labeled rate. And in the greenhouse, plants showed a 5-to-10-fold reduction in dicamba efficacy compared with sensitive plants. It’s not a huge level of resistance, …
Learn About the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama and Georgia encourages producers and eligible partners to learn more about the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, ACEP is a program with two components, Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP-WRE applications are accepted directly from producers on eligible lands. These easements will …
Best Plants for Attracting Birds to Your Yard
Some of the best plants for attracting birds to your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Many types of birds are attracted to plants that produce plenty of seeds. By growing seedy annuals and perennials in your yard, you’ll save money on birdseed and have beautiful flowers that you’ll enjoy, too. Attract more birds to your garden …
NRCS in Florida Announces Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Signup
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced they are accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). While NRCS does accept ACEP applications year-round, producers and landowners should apply by December 31, 2021 to be considered for funding in the current cycle. ACEP provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands …
US House Passes Bill with Historic Investments in Climate Action and Environmental Justice
Statement by Johanna Chao Kreilick, President, Union of Concerned Scientists WASHINGTON (November 19, 2021) —The U.S. House has passed the Build Back Better Act—legislation that would launch the United States toward a clean energy economy, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), making historic investments in clean energy and transportation, climate-resilient agriculture, and environmental justice. Below is a statement by Johanna Chao Kreilick, president …
DeSantis Pitches Money for Everglades, Resiliency
(TALLAHASSEE/Nov. 17, 2021) — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he will request $660 million for Everglades restoration efforts and $550 million for coastal resiliency in budget proposals for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. DeSantis said the request would bring to about $1 billion the money for a resiliency program aimed at combating rising sea levels. “I think that will make us …
CSP Virtual Workshop is Thursday in Florida
Agricultural producers and forest landowners in Florida are urged to take part in a virtual workshop this week concerning the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida recently announced they are accepting applications for CSP, and will conduct a virtual workshop and overview of the program this Thursday, November 18th. There will be two opportunities to take …
USDA-NRCS Providing 2022 Assistance Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and more. Through these conservation programs, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help producers and landowners make conservation improvements on their land …
Infrastructure Bill Has Big Boost for Climate-Smart Agriculture
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or as some call it the Build Back Better bill, is an infrastructure package focused on creating American jobs, rebuilding our nation’s roads and bridges, and combatting the climate crisis. And according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the bill has a big boost for climate-smart agriculture. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow had this …